Connor Campbell of Spreadex said that the ruling will be challenged in the Supreme Court next month.

“Even if it does go to a parliamentary vote, it is unlikely MPs will want to be seen as going against the referendum result by blocking the enacting of Article 50. Nevertheless the pound was due some good news, and it has certainly taken advantage of this brief glimmer of hope,” he added.

The biggest riser on the FTSE 100 was Royal Bank of Scotland, up 6.3%, while Randgold Resources was the biggest faller, shedding 6.7%.